Shane “Rawkus” Flaherty has departed the Houston Outlaws — and retired from professional Overwatch — to play VALORANT professionally, he announced on Twitter on Saturday.
Thank You, Overwatch
Read: https://t.co/hU2fAMmpKE
— Rawkus (@Rawkus) August 1, 2020
Rawkus played for FaZe Clan’s Overwatch roster for over a year before the Overwatch League was established. He was a member of the Outlaws’ inaugural roster, announced with the team branding in October of 2017. He was the team’s sole flex support for the 2018 and 2019 seasons before Jun-keun “Rapel” Kim was signed for 2020.
Recent rumors have suggested Rawkus would join Overwatch League pros Corey “Corey” Nigra and Zack “ZachaREEE” Lombardo on the FaZe Clan Valorant roster. While not yet confirmed, the move would come just in time for the FaZe Clan Invitational, the Ignition Series tournament hosted by the organization, which runs from August 6th-9th.
The Outlaws, as well as his current and former teammates and colleagues, were quick to offer their well-wishes.
Hey Outlaws fans, it’s a sad day in H-Town—as we bid farewell to our #1. Please #AnteUp and wish Rawkus a thank you worthy of his 3-year run with the Houston Outlaws!
Once an Outlaw. Always an Outlaw. pic.twitter.com/XuczkYACS1
— Houston Outlaws (@Outlaws) August 1, 2020
Thank you for everything Shane. I think you’ve shouldered an unfair burden for years but you are an incredible leader and I know you will succeed in whatever you pursue. I can’t wait to watch you in valorant.
— harsha (@ggHarsha) August 1, 2020
dont understand why you are scapegoated by the community but talk to any actual pro player,
they will say that you are one of the best na supports period in overwatch to play with.
personally one of the best players ive played with, best friends ive made from overwatch.— Jeffrey Tsang (@blaseOW) August 1, 2020
💚💚💚 grateful to have met you and I know you’re so capable of doing even more. Love you Shane!!
Also LMAO YES I DIDNT EXPECT TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU.. The first player to thank and appreciate me for doing my job 😭— Analynn Dang (@bawlynn) August 1, 2020
This departure leaves the Outlaws with only Jiri “LiNkzr” Masalin, Daniel “Boink” Pence and Austin “Muma” Wilmot remaining of the inaugural roster. Former flex tank Matt “coolmatt” Iorio currently holds an offstage role with the team.
For more updates on Rawkus, the Outlaws, and the rest of the pro Overwatch and VALORANT scenes, stay tuned to TGH and our social media accounts.
Follow Rainee on Twitter @Jezi_Belle for your daily dose of bad puns and emotional over-investment in Overwatch League and its players.
Follow The Game Haus for the latest on all things sports and esports:
Twitter: TGH Esports
Facebook: The Game Haus Esports